Besides the great suggestions given already, I would suggest using either a clear shampoo in a small amount, or a product like Eucalan, which is a no-rinse wool wash. Wool shrinks from heat and agitation, but each wool is going to react differently, especially since many modern wool fabrics are coated with chemicals to prevent or minimize shrinkage. Not in every case, so testing is a must. My wool gabardines usually have minimal shrinkage on washing and drying.
The only wool I've had a problem with was a wool crepe, that went from a lovely thin fabric to a small yet thick wool sponge like texture. Thankfully that was only the test swatch, but it has stopped me from using the fabric on a project at this point. Kimiko ________________________________ From: Sharon Collier <sha...@collierfam.com> To: Historical Costume <h-cost...@indra.com> Sent: Tue, November 3, 2009 10:39:20 AM Subject: [h-cost] How do I wash? I just bought some 100% wool gabardine. I'd like to machine wash it, but am worried I might mess it up. I was thinking--Cold water, tumble dry low. Is that OK? Sharon C. _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
